The Defense Health Agency and TRICARE say military hospitals and clinics remain open, and care continues. However, if you receive medical services on or after October 1, 2025, your claims may not be processed or paid until funding returns.
An official TRICARE statement notes, "TRICARE may not process or pay medical claims for services received on or after October 1, 2025, until funding is restored."
DHA says pharmacy services, network care, and other TRICARE functions continue but could be affected if the shutdown persists. TriWest, managing the TRICARE West Region, also warns of possible payment delays until funding resumes.
What’s Still Working (For Now)
Military Treatment Facilities remain open. TRICARE Pharmacy services are available, though hours or support could change with staffing or funding issues.
Both network and non-network civilian providers still offer care. Emergency services are not affected.
What’s at Risk for Military Families
If you see a civilian provider after October 1, claims may not be processed until the government reopens. Families could face reimbursement delays or may need to pay upfront. Some civilian clinics, reliant on TRICARE payments, already ask for payment before appointments or delay non-urgent visits.
When funding returns, TRICARE will process a backlog of claims, referrals, and authorizations. Recovery may take weeks or months. Small and specialty clinics, especially those for children, behavioral health, or physical therapy, may struggle financially during payment delays.
Pharmacies are open, but prolonged shutdowns could delay refills or prescription verification if contractor staff are furloughed.
What You Can Do Right Now
Step 1: Track and note your care dates to identify which appointments could be impacted based on whether they occurred before or after October 1. This will help you determine which claims might be delayed.
Step 2: Ask your healthcare provider whether payment will be required at the appointment or if services might be delayed until funding resumes. Confirm their payment and scheduling policies in advance.
Step 3: Keep all your Explanation of Benefits, receipts, and authorization documents organized to ensure smooth reimbursement processing when claims resume. Have these materials ready to submit if needed.
Step 4: Check the TRICARE Shutdown Information Page regularly to receive the most current updates and alerts that may affect your care or claims.
Step 5: If your provider will not file claims or is unsure how to proceed, contact your regional TRICARE contractor (Humana Military for the East, TriWest for the West) to get guidance and resolve questions.
Step 6: Proactively set aside extra funds so you are prepared to cover any temporary out-of-pocket medical expenses if payment is needed up front during the shutdown.
The Big Picture & What Comes Next
The government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress did not pass new spending bills. While mandatory programs such as Social Security continue, much of the Defense Health Agency’s operations depend on annual appropriations.
Active-duty service members, retirees, and families still receive care, but civilian claims processing may pause until lawmakers act. The longer the shutdown lasts, the broader the impact across clinics, pharmacies, and family finances.
“Our goal is to minimize disruption,” the Defense Health Agency emphasized, “but TRICARE services may be affected by a prolonged lapse.”
In the end, the shutdown’s effect on TRICARE is not just about funding. It also affects the health and readiness of every military household.
Once Congress restores funding, TRICARE contractors will resume full operations. Families should expect a backlog and longer processing times as the system catches up.
Stay proactive, keep records organized, and talk with healthcare providers. TRICARE is the core of military healthcare, but a shutdown can challenge even strong systems.
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